Q. Will a certified building need to be re-certified under the next generation of LEED Canada?

No, once a building is LEED certified, it’s certified. However, certified buildings are welcome to join the lifecycle certification process that will be offered in the next generation of LEED Canada, so that they benefit from ongoing performance management capabilities. 

Q. What if my project has already begun and is being certified using the old system? Which system will be used upon its completion?

Until the next generation of LEED Canada becomes available (starting in 2009), a building will be certified using the current LEED Canada rating system. Once the next generation of LEED is available for each sector, those buildings certified under the current system can move over to the updated system, to benefit from its many new features.

Q. Should I register my project now or wait until the next generation of the rating system is launched?

Registrations and certifications will continue during the development of the next generation of the rating system. Project owners are encouraged to register on the timeline that is more convenient for them, and they are welcome to transfer their project over to the new system once the tool for their building sector is available. The CaGBC aims to have the next generation rating systems for K-12 schools, utilities, government and commercial buildings ready in 2009.

Q. What are the cost implications to existing users if they want to move their project to the next generation of LEED?

The certification cost under the next generation of LEED Canada has not been determined. The rating system is evolving to provide greater value to building owners and managers, by incorporating ongoing performance management through the life of a building, so LEED Canada will no longer be a one-time intervention. Because the value of the tool is changing so significantly, one can’t easily compare the cost of certification today with the cost of certification under the next generation tool.

Q. How will the transition from the current LEED rating system to the updated system work?

We expect a seamless transition from the current to the updated LEED rating system. Buildings certified under the current system can be “grandfathered” into the next generation at a point that’s appropriate for that building, but that transition is voluntary.